Over the years, I’ve talked with so many people and shared my views on food & drink, travelling, raising kids, and balancing it all, and the question that has come up time and time again is “how do you do it?”. For the longest time, I’m puzzled by the idea that what I do is somehow seen as difficult or even impossible.  However, I’m a thinker and puzzles like this one intrigue me. So, I’ve decided to share a few of my hacks that make my life easier.

 Most serious bakers steer clear and sneer at the mention of cake mixes.  However, cake mixes might be one of the most versatile items in your kitchen pantry, and let’s face it, many people grew up only using cake mixes, so they can’t all be bad. In fact, cake mixes can be turned into muffins, cookies, pancakes, bread, waffles, and even pie crusts.

Cake Mix —> Muffins:

1 cake mix (any flavor) + 1 tsp baking powder + 2 TBSP flour + 2/3 c. milk + 6 TBSP melted butter + 3 eggs (beaten)
Mix together, scoop into muffin tins, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
**Pictured: Pumpkin Muffins using white cake mix & canned pumpkin

Cake Mix —> Cookies:

1 cake mix (any flavor) + 1 stick softened butter + 2 eggs
Mix together, form into balls, and bake on a parchment lined cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Cake Mix —> Pancakes:

1 cake mix (any flavor) + 3/4 c. flour + 2 eggs + 1 tsp vanilla extract + 1/2 stick melted butter + 2 c. milk
Mix together, ladle 1/4 c. servings onto hot griddle at medium heat (350 degrees-ish), and when the top bubbles, flip and cook the opposite side until golden brown.

Cake Mix —> Bread:

1 cake mix (any flavor) + 1 stick melted butter + 3 eggs (beaten) + 3/4 c. milk + any add ins that you like (chocolate chips, cinnamon, apple chunks, etc)
Mix together, pour into greased & floured loaf pans (2), and bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.
**Pictured: Chocolate Cherry Bread using chocolate cake mix and stirring in chopped maraschino cherries.

Cake Mix —> Waffles:

1 cake mix (any flavor) + 5 TBSP melted butter + 1 1/4 c. water + 3 eggs (beaten)
Mix together, ladle 1/4 c. servings onto waffle iron at medium heat, and bake 4-5 minutes or until indicated by light.

Cake Mix —> Pie Crust:

1 cake mix (any flavor) + 1 whole egg + 3 egg yolks + 1 TBSP softened butter
Mix together until most comes together, turn out onto a lightly floured surface, knead until smooth, roll out and line pie pan, and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes OR wrap in plastic and use later.